Paddling Honeoye Lake

Paddling at sunsetPaddling Honeoye Lake at sunrise or sunset can rewarded you with amazing views.

"No-rush" paddling

Honeoye Lake has a "no-rush" sorta feel. It's considered one of the "minor" or smaller Finger Lakes, along with Conesus, Hemlock, and Canadice. So, if you are looking for a little get-away with your self-propelled craft, Honeoye Lake is a beautiful spot with great views to choose.

Being the second smallest of the Finger Lakes, at only 4.5 miles long, you won't contend with major boating traffic on this lake, but there is some.

So if you've come to Honeoye Lake to paddle by canoe, kayak, or stand up paddle board (SUP), the south end of the lake is where you'll want to put in your oars. 

Likewise, if you plan to fish from your canoe, this lake is know for its amazing bass fishing - pretty much anywhere on the lake you cast your line. 

What you'll find on this page:

I know you'll want to make sure to spend some time paddling on the water while you visit Honeoye Lake.

Read on to find out: 

  • The best places to paddle on Honeoye Lake
  • Where you can launch your kayak, canoe, or SUP on Honeoye Lake
  •  Where you can rent a kayak, canoe, or SUP on Honeoye Lake

Chances are really rather excellent you'll find one or more adventures to add to your itinerary!

What's the best place to paddle on Honeoye Lake?

According to some, including Rich and Sue Freeman, authors of Take a Paddle: Finger Lakes, the best place to paddle on Honeoye Lake is the south end. 

You can launch your kayak or canoe from the Honeoye Lake State Boat Launch at the southeastern side of the lake, across from Wesley Rd. From there, you can go north or south - but I definitely suggest you go south!

Paddling south from the boat launch will lead you to some buoys and into the Honeoye Inlet Wildlife Management Area, which will lead you down the stream and into the wetlands that protect the lake. Boats are not allowed in the inlet, neither is swimming, so it will just be you and any other paddlers out for the day.

Expect to see turtles, wetland birds, and maybe even a river otter!

couple kayakingPaddling Honeoye Inlet WMA offers a tranquil experience. You might also see turtles and river otter.

Where else can I paddle on Honeoye Lake?

If you’ve already tried the Honeoye Inlet Wildlife Management Area at the south end of the lake or you will be north of the lake anyhow, you can give Honeoye Creek WMA a try as well. 

The best time of the year to go is spring or fall, when water levels are high. You can put in your canoe or kayak at Sandy Bottom Park, then head east, turning left into the creek at the northern point of the lake. 

The Honeoye Creek WMA is known for having a plethora of wildlife to view, such as deer, turtles, turkeys, wetland birds, and birds of prey. Bring your binoculars for the best view!

Where can I launch my kayak, canoe, or SUP on Honeoye Lake?

Brought your own kayak or canoe and need to launch? Add one of the following spots to your itinerary to get out onto the lake.

Honeoye Lake State Boat Launch

Maintained by New York State Department of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, the Honeoye Lake State Boat Launch is a well-kept location to launch your kayak, canoe, or SUP at the southern end of the lake. 

The two metal docks are available April through October. You'll also find waterless facilities and don't be surprised at the parking fee when you arrive.

Highlights

  • Paddling
  • Boating
  • Fishing

Getting there

  • 📍6150 East Lake Rd., Honeoye, NY 14471
  • 📞 (585) 335 - 8111 (Stony Brook State Park)
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Features

  • Hard-surface launch area
  • Rustic facilities
  • Winter maintenance
  • Max 2 dogs allowed on leash
  • Entry fee

Sandy Bottom Park

Sandy Bottom Park, located at the northern tip of Honeoye Lake, is maintained by the town of Richmond in Ontario County.

Here you'll find a car-top launch site apart from the launching area for motorized boats, as well as lots of other things to do including: swimming, hiking, and pavilions to rent.

Highlights

  • Boating
  • Paddling
  • Hiking
  • Swimming

Getting there

  • 📍Sandy Bottom Rd, Honeoye, NY 14471
  • 📞 (585) 330-7066
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Features

  • Municipal park
  • Hard-surface launch area
  • Swimming area with lifeguard
  • Facilities
  • Trail
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Free entry

Where can I rent a kayak, canoe, or SUP on Honeoye Lake?

Bringing all your luggage PLUS kayaks, a canoe, or SUPs can be a lot! Never fear, Honeoye Lake will hook you up!

Trident Marine

If you're wanting to rent a kayak, canoe, SUP, hydrobike, or motorized boat on Honeoye Lake, Trident Marine is your location!

Your rental includes life jackets and paddles, and it's super easy to rent directly from their website. You can rent a canoe or kayak for half a day - or up to a week with Trident Marine.

Getting there

  • 📍 5226 E. Lake Rd, Honeoye, NY  14471
  • 📞 (585) 229-2271
  • 🗺 Find on Google Maps

Create your own Finger Lakes adventure

Honeoye Lake Lake is simply too breathtaking to experience without paddling out on the water!

Which paddling option will you add to your next Finger Lakes adventure itinerary?

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